The Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged Shs 55 billion ghost water project at Kahengye in Kebisoni Town Council.
The World Bank-funded initiative was intended to help more than 120,000 residents of Rukungiri Municipality and portions of Ntungamo District but however, there have been disputes and delays in its implementation.
The contract was first given to the Indian business TECHNOFAB Engineering Services, but it suffered a significant setback when the company left the site in 2019 after only completing 65% of the work. A water pump, reservoir, and other essential although unfinished infrastructure were installed at River Kahengye as part of their effort.
To resume and finish the halted work, the government hired Vidas and Vambeco Engineering Companies in February 2020.
Following lengthy delays, the Ministry of Water and Environment partially commissioned the project on November 23, 2022, and then turned it over to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
However, the final contractor was placed on a 12-month probation while NWSC conducted assessments. Despite these efforts, by the time of commissioning, the project’s total cost had ballooned to Shs 55 billion, with several components still unfinished.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament last week, MP Rutahigwa voiced his deep concerns about the project’s inability to provide locals with safe water.
Noting that even the areas that receive water do so in extremely small amounts, he underlined the necessity for the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to conduct a comprehensive examination.
“Five years later, the people’s hopes have been dashed. The project has not fulfilled its purpose, and the Ministry of Water and Environment must be held accountable for handing over an incomplete project to NWSC’s Rukungiri branch,” said Dr. Rutahigwa.
Cue in………DE RUTAHIGWA…….
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, backed the call for accountability, instructing the Ministry of Water and Environment to present a detailed explanation. He noted that the Kahengye project has surfaced repeatedly in the news and was even raised during last year’s Kigezi Presidential PDM tour, where it was brought to President Museveni’s attention.
Cue in…….DEPUTY SPEAKER…..
